Recent inclusive policies are promoting the involvement of individuals
with disabilities in identifying barriers that limit their full participation and
inclusion in public spaces. The present two studies explored the contributions
provided by different stakeholder groups in the identification of architectural
barriers in elementary and secondary schools. In each school, the principal,
special education resource teacher and a student independently identified
architectural barriers using an observational walkthrough method. The first
study consisted of 29 schools where the student evaluator did not have a
disability and the second study consisted of 22 schools where the student
evaluator did not have a disability. The results of both studies showed that
students identified the greatest number of barriers and principals the lest. The
type and location f identified barriers are explored and the conclusions are
examined in relation to person-environment congruence. The results highlight
the efficacy of youth involvement and provide support for collaborative
assessments that equitably involve all stakeholders in inclusive environmental
assessments.
A visual research project addressed school children’s concepts of ideal learning
environments. Drawings and accompanying narratives were collected from Year
5 and Year 6 children in nine Queensland primary schools. The 133 submissions
were analysed and coded to develop themes, identify key features and
consider the uses of imagination. The children’s imagined schools echo ideas
promoted by promoted by progressive educators. The imaginative contributions
of children in creating engaging environments, while educational policy makers
can benefit from children’s ideas in the promotion of engaging. Student-
centred pedagogies.